Rapidly evolving information technology is heir to the core values of modernization and uses the appeal of convenience and efficiency to both sate and stimulate desire. One result has been the weakening of the frameworks--family, community, workplace, school, state--from which society has conventionally been configured. Physical distances that separate people have lost meaning through the creation of global networks; events on the other side of the globe enter our lives instantaneously through the medium of computers and television. This has brought a vast and largely beneficial expansion of freedom of action and of choice relative to goods and services, hobbies and interests, employment and residence. Choice is increasingly being extended to family composition and even citizenship.

We must also be aware, however, of the pitfalls of the virtualization on which so much of this new freedom hinges.

The spread of the Internet has meant that the way in which information and wealth are generated, conveyed and experienced has become increasingly virtual. In a sense, of course, information is by its nature virtual. The original function of money, meanwhile, was as a token of exchange for goods and services produced by actual economic activities. To the extent, however, that it is detached from such activities and becomes the object of speculation, desires are amplified without limit and the resistance and stability that are the special qualities of reality are lost. The result is cycles of unbridled greed as the quest for money generates further desire. This is the addictive allure of virtual wealth.

The only effective counterbalance is to keep firmly in view the fact that virtual information and wealth, while they can supplement and enhance our experience of reality, cannot replace it. Computers and communications technologies can never be a substitute for the actual human contact of dialogue, the face-to-face interaction of meetings and classroom instruction, for example. And as the hero of Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe discovers on his uninhabited desert island, money is no substitute for goods or services, much less for human companionship.

Virtual reality is fundamentally incompatible with an uncomfortable, even painful--yet essential--aspect of human experience: the way our encounters with others force us to face and confront ourselves, and the inner struggle that this sparks. Buddhism speaks of the twin sufferings of being forced to part from those we love and to be in the company of those we hate. Efficiency and convenience are frequently interpreted to mean the avoidance of such struggles. There is a certain irony in the fact that these measures of ease actually render modern life an inhospitable environment for developing self-mastery and a concomitant interest in the public good.

Though contemporary society is heavily dependent on communications and information technology, it is nonetheless composed of and supported by the activities of people. The ideal of the age may be a network of "free individuals" who have broken the bonds of traditional ties and encumbrances. To be genuinely free, however, they must be self-standing, disciplined and grounded in reality; they must be able to render clear judgments without being carried away by the torrents of information that wash around them. But these are the hardest qualities to develop in a virtualized society that provides scant opportunity for the training and tempering of individuals. How can this dilemma be resolved?

The answer, I believe, lies close to home but requires that we take a different, perhaps counterintuitive approach. It is the raw sense of reality, the unmediated responsiveness to living and to pain, that can breathe new life into this stifling virtual world. If we could but learn, like Dewey's Wiltshire villagers, to feel the wound and shock of others' pain as our own...

I even believe that such awareness and sensitivity represents the single greatest deterrent to war.

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"One needs to be slow to form convictions, but once formed they must be defended against the heaviest odds." -Gandhi

It can be said that on this forum, we are discussing tolerantly matters that concern ourselves and our world. It can be said that we, like sponges, are nurturing wisdom and insight of others and sharing our own.However, in the realm of virtual reality this can turn to folly if we are not conscious of ourselves.

Today actually on the train, I was discussing christianty and a bit of buddhism with some seventh day adventist students. I found myself not to be ranting about my religious beliefs, but tolerantly listening and trying to understand these fellow teen agers.On the internet, on this forum, and on any other, it is very easy to get carried away with one's beliefs. I am not blaiming anyone at all(I must say, I too am sometimes not weary of slipping away from reality on the internet, although as you may have noticed I haven't been as active). On the internet as we are not having face-to-face, heart-to-heart dialogues we tend not to think about the feelings or try not to undertsand the beliefs of others.Many a time I have seen people dismising other people's perspective and attempting to crush their arguments and their opponent with their 'perspectives' in a most sad display of virtual pathos. The thing about virtual reality is that you aren't talking to anyone, and so you feel it OK to say whatever you want.This behaviour often resuts in the insulting of other people and their beliefs, and because of this denial and unaccpeptance of contrasting understanding, these people tend to boil and squirm in their own self-righteous ideology. This complete denial of opposition and contrary wisdom, and the rigid, shallow self-righteous belief is evidence of a minimal grasp of reality.When you can't say something with an open heart to someone's face, then you tend to say it on the internet as some false, idiotic self-justification of courage. A pathetic, defensive excuse for one's fear and weakness of other people and also his/her own potential.

It is imperative that all of use do not loose ourselves in the lazy opposition denial that can brew in virtual reality both on this forum and in other endeavours in life!(what do you think?)

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"One needs to be slow to form convictions, but once formed they must be defended against the heaviest odds." -Gandhi

Well, I think that post could use some editing/modifying, Tim. Some of those sentences contain typos and grammos that make it a little difficult to follow.

But as to dogma dangers in virtual reality, there are, of course other ways to look at it. I think forums such as these allow one to express one's opinion without being interupted and sidetracked in a way that is very difficult in face to face encounters. I find one is often shouted down in reality while those with contrasting beliefs wrestle for the floor. One might have been trying to work the conversation down a particular path, but someone makes some crack that takes it off in another direction, either because they like attention or because the seriousness of the discussion is making them uncomfortable, etc.

As for the courage thing, you may have a point, but I don't think it is a bad thing if one takes the internet opportunity to express something one finds difficult in real life. For instance, conversation with another might be fraught with difficulty due to unresolved conflicts and seething anger that causes one to shake and faulter and come out with comparative nonsense. One might still have something quite civil that needs to be said, but in a more controlled environment. The internet is a very good vehicle for such discussions, and so civilised - you don't get interrupted in the middle of dinner by emails...

Yeees*sighing grimace*but reality is reality, you can't escape that, and we shouldn't try to. It's okay to think, I'm practising articulating my thoughts for the real thing. But if you haven't addressed what, in you, makes you feel nervous or angry, it's not going to change. Also if people can't take what you're saying, simply dismissing that, as them being shallow is a lack of courage(I'm sorry to say). Life isn't about having it easy. It's these people who we most want to reach out to! When we persist with heart-to-heart dialogue, and not necissarily just outwright dictation ideas, but actually discussing their views on things and going through different aspects of point of view etc, then you are also challenging that which is holding you back in your life from avoiding that. You are also combatting your negativity(or your karma) by taking positive courageous action. Virtual reality, often doesn't provide that.ON this forum, its great that we can discuss things, and see other points of view, but it isn't reality, and we should always keep that in mind. When you post, it's very very important that you imagine you are actually talking to that person. If you can't do that, then you've got to look into yourself.What do you think?

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"One needs to be slow to form convictions, but once formed they must be defended against the heaviest odds." -Gandhi

"sighing grimace"? Hmmm. That sounds a little uncomfortable. Is that in response to my comments?

I suppose I would suggest that virtual reality complements the reality state, not that it could replace it.

Whatever reasons one has for feeling uncomfortable around certain people in the real world - they tend to lie, manipulate, use confronting language, etc - if one nevertheless is in the position of needing to deal reasonably with them because they are somehow related to one, I think email's a good option.

Not sure what you mean by "if people can't take what you're saying". "Reaching out" has never been my strong point in face to face situations because I tend to think through things slowly. By the time I've digested an idea and have come up with a counter argument, or a solution, others have usually moved on to another subject. That's why I feel more comfortable in written mediums. Snail mail is not so rewarding because you have to have the address of someone to write to who is inclined to respond in kind.

The internet brings one into contact with people in a random way, similar to walking about in the real world, but if they're dull or aggressive, it's easy to avoid them, and if they're interesting, those of us who are more literate might get to have decent conversations.

I think finding venues for interesting conversation is more difficult in the real world, and I really don't want to bore others with my various childish reactions which might happen in face to face encounters - jealousy, embarassment, one-up-manship, hurt, etc. I might still experience these things in virtual reality, giving me the opportunity to reflect on them and grow as a person, but no-one else need be exposed to them.

Hmmm. That sounds a little uncomfortable. Is that in response to my comments?

Not entirely.

From what I can see, I think you are relying too much on virual reality. I also have your problem. I am also usually quite timid in social situations, although now I'm improving. I found from my personal experience that, substancial usage of internet mediums like forums doesn't improve your character much at all, but can do the opposite.But I know what you're saying. Currently I'm interested in going to USA to study a liberal arts degree and Soka Uni there, and I'm conversing via e-mail with a girl who used to live in Australia(went there for study). It would be impractical(and expensive!) for me to call her every now and again, and also she can reply to me at her convinience. I'm still, however, very conscious of how I talk to her.Look at this forum here, we may never meet in person, but here we can communicate with each other over different topics.I know how you feel about how 'virtual reality' can provide something very practical and enjoyable, but we both have to look at our own tendancies in real life. Because that's what it is; real life! You may not get many opportunities to discuss the things we do with other people face to face, however it's so important that we become confident with ourselves in daily life. Have the courage and wisdom to show our potential in any endeavor.This is what religion is. It is not the thought of something better in the future, it is wisdom and action NOW, in this very moment!We've got to acknowledge that there is negativity in our lives and also negativity in us(in buddhism we all ths karma), and if we keep our faith, our religion at the centre of our lives we have the power to change those tendacies and lead an existance of courage and action.In virtual reality we can become detached from ourselves(thats the same anywhere really, but especially on the internet), and it should be our mission to take on that negativity with positive, courageous action in life. (?)

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"One needs to be slow to form convictions, but once formed they must be defended against the heaviest odds." -Gandhi

From what I can see, I think you are relying too much on virual reality.

Really Tim? That's an interesting accusation. On what do you base your summation?

Virtual Reality is also "real life". There's nothing less "real" about conversing with you in a written form like this than there would be face to face, except that I might lose patience more quickly face to face. (I'm very tired at the moment, so I wouldn't even answer the door if you came over )

Certainly I could be more effective in face-to-face encounters, but I'm living in a caravan in 14 acres of forest with five kids from 6months to 16 who all require my time and energy in a myriad different ways, so there's little left over for seeking out meaningful face-to-face encounters with intelligent adults. I try to make it to the craft group at my son's Steiner school, but that's about it.

It's different when you are single and your time is your own. Once you're married with kids, you've got to factor in all these relationships and keep them healthy by applying yourself to them. A little internet exchange on the side is about all I can fit in, and then I have to keep it as brief as possible...

okay, I can't really relate to your life. I wasn't trying to judge you or anything, that was only my impression.Your life is your choice.You do seem to have a pretty unique and busy life!

I'll just add a couple things;Your circumstances are because of your own decisions and tendancies at this very moment, yes THIS moment. You can't shovel any lacking, onto the fact that you are married with 5 kids, Although I'm not saying that you are!Congratulations and good luck. I'm chanting for your happiness and good health every day!

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"One needs to be slow to form convictions, but once formed they must be defended against the heaviest odds." -Gandhi

okay, I can't really relate to your life. I wasn't trying to judge you or anything, that was only my impression.

Well, I do rely on the internet to find discussions about Swedenborg, which is not really satisfactory, but the closest Swedenborg centre is 2 hour's drive away, and I choose not to squeeze that into my schedule. They might organise a group closer to where I live in the not too distant future, the guy said, so I'm waiting for that.

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I'll just add a couple things;Your circumstances are because of your own decisions and tendancies at this very moment, yes THIS moment. You can't shovel any lacking, onto the fact that you are married with 5 kids, Although I'm not saying that you are!

No, I'm well aware that I'm here living this life due to my own doing. It's what I've wished for in previous times - right down to living in a caravan, which I find amusingly ironic. There is truth in what you say, and truth is something I value very highly, so I'll choose not to be offended by your shocking impertinence

But as for the reality issue, again I say, this is real. It isn't the same as being face to face, but if it were, what would be the point of it? We could set up webcams and chat face to face, but I prefer to write.

In days gone by, people used to rely very heavily on written communication, before telephones and quick and easy travel. Now we can communicate instantly, perhaps in the same way we will in the future be more aware in our silent, mental communications. Perhaps thoughts communicated instantly over the internet are in a sense closer to the reality of ourselves - less guarded and less censored.

No, I do not agree that becoming absorbed in the internet is dangerous, or even an escape, necessarily. It can be, and one should at all times remember the adage: all things in moderation, but the internet can also be a tool to bring mankind closer to unity.

Yes, I'm sorry about that. I didn't mean to be offensive, I was trying to make a couple points. I had little time too.

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one should at all times remember the adage: all things in moderation, but the internet can also be a tool to bring mankind closer to unity

Its a good debate isn't it. People often can't see when they are attached to something because it is directly the cause of desire and laziness.

Many many youth using the internet are very self-centred and angry, I've seen it. It's an expression of laziness and negativity which can be let loose I believe because of the ease(you really don't have to make any effort) of the internet and the lack of human confrontation.Many youths can't properly talk to adults or even people they don't know, or even people they do know. I believe as a youth, as witness to such behaviour, that it is strongly related to the internet and computer games. Lack of reading, lack of culture, lack productive dialogue, lack of postivity etc is often the fuel for computer games and a self-centred angry attitude.This is of course only my opinion, you may see it differently.

I believe that perhaps humanity can be linked via internet, but by no means does typing create heart-to-heart dialogue. I see dialogue to be the most unique and fundamental part of our humanity. This practise where we can converse about our opinions, convictions and show compassion, intelligence and wisdom should be a very focal part of our lives.If we were to stray from that, I fear that our humanity would slowly fail or degrade. I believe that peace and human happiness will only be achieved through heart-to-heart human contact dialogue and not through the internet, as I see it today. If we constantly try to persuade others through the internet, trying to improve our techniques of conversation, we may again stray from the path. Atleast in this day and age I cannot see people having true dialogue with others via internet.

So I guess it comes down to this. If people are going to be happy, it won't come through the internet. Unless you are a buddha, or someone truly happy, you are not going to improve your character unless you have dialogues about it with others.; As I see humanity today.

hahah, of course I'm only 16 this year! What do you think?

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"One needs to be slow to form convictions, but once formed they must be defended against the heaviest odds." -Gandhi

Virtual reality relate to the environment which stimulates physical presence in real world, it is used to describe a wide variety of applications commonly associated with immersive, highly visual, 3D environments.________visualize